Integrated Circuit (IC) Designer
Salary

Integrated Circuit Designers in the United States take home an average $92K per year. Residence and experience level each impact pay for this group, with the former having the largest influence. Men account for the majority of Integrated Circuit Designers who responded to the questionnaire — 82 percent to be exact. Almost all report receiving medical coverage from their employers and a large number collect dental insurance. The majority of Integrated Circuit Designers claim high levels of job satisfaction. The figures in this rundown are based on the results of PayScale's salary questionnaire.

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

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Job Description for Integrated Circuit (IC) Designer

Of all technological innovations in the last several decades, few have proven as vital as the integrated circuit. Computational electronics that once required bulky vacuum tubes and acres of space are now made so small that they fit in your pocket. Advances in integrated circuitry and semiconductors are the brain-children of integrated circuit designers; using their expertise in both electronics and computers, the integrated circuit designer builds the framework for the layout of circuitry to perform any manner of tasks, and designs the circuitry to maximize capabilities while minimizing waste heat, inefficiency and other safety issues.

In a typical environment, the integrated circuit designer will collaborate with other departments to envision their concepts and work to figure out how best to realize them. Using this information, the integrated circuit designer, with the use of computer-aided design software and other tools, maps out the design of the circuitry and tests its efficiency in a virtual environment. When a design works as intended in a virtual environment, it is sent to manufacturing to build physical models of the circuitry. The integrated circuit designer will test these models and make all necessary changes until a final, finished prototype is ready to be sent for active production.

The integrated circuit designer will often draft specification reports and other documentation for the circuitry they have designed. Integrated circuit design is an advanced field - though it is possible for applicants with an Associate's degree to find a position, employment prospects are greatly bolstered with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Engineering. Training and experience with CAD and microprocessor architecture are commonly preferred. There are also certificate programs for non-specialized engineering students; applicants must obtain licensure through state examination, and a minimum of four years of work experience in the field is required for most positions.

Integrated Circuit (IC) Designer Tasks

Work with Layout Team on place/route and timing closure.

Design and verify microprocessor based digital systems.

Use programming languages (C, Perl, TCL etc.) to improve the efficiency of the design and verification tasks.

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This chart shows the most popular skills for this job and what effect each skill has on pay.

Integrated Circuit Designers who responded to the survey indicated only a few skills that they use on the job. Cadence and verilog are considered valuable skills and can increase employee pay. Skills that seem to negatively impact pay include verilog. Competency in Cadence frequently indicates knowledge of verilog.

Integrated Circuit (IC) Designer Advice

What do you wish you knew about your job when you first started out?

Integrated Circuit (IC) Designer in Seattle:

"Cost of Living."

Do salary research, especially with regard to cost of living, before accepting a job offer.